Nursery Teachers in the UK: Unsung Heroes Behind Every Smile

7.30 I drop my partner off and 6pm I pick her up. A nursery shift is a long one. I know I couldn't do it. Recently she won an award for excellent care. She deserves it, but it isn't why she does the job. She just loves looking after children. Did you know? A staggering 57% of nursery workers considered leaving the sector due to factors like low pay, stress, and burnout (Nursery Management Today) This statistic underscores the immense challenges faced by nursery teachers, whose dedication isn't replicated in wages.

Partner, Abbie & son, Ember - well deserved break

When I think about nursery teachers, I think of my partner and her colleagues; dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to care for children, often under conditions most people don’t see. Long hours, meetings outside of work, constant pressures to maintain staff ratios, being asked to come in during annual leave, or coping when parents don’t pick up sick children until the end of the day - these are part of the reality of the job. On top of this, there’s the physical strain of lifting children, the ongoing cycle of getting ill, and the looming threat of Ofsted inspections. And yet, despite these challenges, they do the work because they genuinely love looking after children. They’re not paid nearly enough, and yet the reward, the joy of seeing children develop, grow, and have fun is priceless.

The Connect Childcare Report conducted between September 30 and October 18, 2024, surveyed 287 early years professionals, providing a current overview of wellbeing in early years settings. Nursery Management Today The report highlighted that staffing pressures and unrealistic expectations are significant stressors for early years professionals. Despite these challenges, nursery teachers remain deeply committed to their roles. Their dedication is evident in the smiles of the children they care for and the developmental milestones they help achieve. The reward lies not in monetary compensation but in the joy of seeing a child learn, grow, and thrive under their guidance.

The Realities Behind the Smiles

Nursery teachers are responsible for children’s safety and well-being every single day. The news often shines a light only on the worst cases, which can have devastating consequences, but for the majority, the reality is a constant balancing act: caring for children, managing challenging schedules, dealing with health issues, and enduring physical strain. Managing ratios can be tricky with staff swapping rooms, juggling and managing temp staff and ensuring quality of care is maintained. Yet, despite all this, nursery assistants & teachers stay because of their passion for the job and the impact they have on children’s lives.

FEES ARE HIGH AND SO ARE parents' EXPECTATIONs

As a parent and partner to a dedicated nursery teacher, I am acutely aware of the fees involved. Running costs of nurseries are expensive but often staff have to fight hard for an increase in wages. Their commitment to the children in their care is unwavering, yet they often face challenges that affect their well-being and job satisfaction. At the very least it is time for nursery chains, independent settings, and related bodies to collaborate on initiatives that prioritise the health, happiness, and retention of nursery staff.

Nursery teachers are the unsung heroes of early childhood education. They deserve recognition, support, and appreciation for the vital role they play in shaping the future of our children.

Call to Action:

If you're involved in the early years sector; whether as a provider, policymaker, or parent, consider how you can support nursery teachers. Engage in conversations about their well-being, advocate for fair compensation, and collaborate on initiatives that promote a positive work environment. Together, we can ensure that nursery teachers receive the recognition and support they truly deserve. Get in touch if you want to run a survey!